A study suggests that cows can indeed be potty trained! By rewarding them with treats whenever they successfully pee or poop in a designated location, the cows can learn to do so consistently.
Potty training is a significant milestone for toddlers. It is also a relief for parents, as they no longer have to deal with frequent messes. Toddlers can be messy, but what about farm animals?
Imagine the challenges faced by cattle herders who have to clean up after so many animals! If only there was a way to potty train farm animals…
Well, scientists have already discovered how to potty train cows!
How were the cows potty trained?
A study has uncovered the secret to teaching cows proper toilet behavior.
In this study, 16 calves were trained to use a designated area called the MooLoo as their restroom. The scientists used rewards and punishments, known as operant conditioning, to encourage the cows to pee in the MooLoo. It was similar to rewarding good behavior in children and punishing them for being naughty.
The cows were placed in an alley with an entry and exit gate. This alley passed through the MooLoo where they were supposed to pee. Every time a cow peed in the MooLoo, they received a tasty treat, just like giving candy to a child. The more times a cow peed in the MooLoo, the more food they received.
MooLoo with a treat!
However, if a cow peed somewhere else in the alley, they were sprayed with water for 3 seconds. This was equivalent to disciplining a misbehaving child. (Note: No cows were harmed in this study.)
Within 10 days, many cows caught on and started peeing in the MooLoo, eagerly awaiting their reward.
Previous studies had attempted this, but with limited success. This was because if cows wanted to pee but couldn’t access a designated area, they would relieve themselves wherever they were.
It’s better with 3-ply!
That’s the difference between farm animals and humans. Many of us hold in our need to go when we are outside until we reach a comfortable bathroom.
Can all cows be potty trained?
Scientists believe that all cows can learn this skill, although it will be extremely challenging and time-consuming to teach every single one.
Another interesting finding was that the potty-trained cows didn’t require guidance to use the MooLoo. They would go whenever they needed to, complete their business, and wait for their treat. However, there were 6 cows who were more stubborn and took longer to pick up this behavior. The scientists remained confident that with time, even these cows would become potty trained.
A group of cows is seen grazing in the image provided. Additional research is necessary to determine the distance that a cow is willing to travel in search of a suitable MooLoo. It is possible that they may not find the reward of using a latrine to be worth the tiring journey. This study could help determine the number of MooLoos needed per farm.
The main challenge in potty training all cows would be the practicality of such a task. The duration and cost of this endeavor remain unknown.
The reason for potty training cows is to help protect the environment. Cows produce a significant amount of urine, which alone is enough to fill up a small car’s tank. This is not even accounting for their solid waste.
Animal farming is responsible for approximately 15% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Such waste greatly contributes to these emissions. Urine, in particular, contains ammonia, which seeps into the soil and water, causing pollution. The combination of urine and feces results in the production and release of even more ammonia into the atmosphere.
By implementing MooLoos, all cow waste can be collected in one location, making it easier to manage and dispose of. This saves a considerable amount of money, time, and resources. The urine can be used to extract nitrogen and phosphorus, which can then be used to create fertilizers. Additionally, the waste can be transformed into manure to enrich the soil. The MooLoo helps maximize the use of cow waste.
According to certain data models, if 80% of all urine is collected in MooLoos, it could lead to a 56% reduction in ammonia release. Furthermore, having a dedicated MooLoo for cows is more hygienic and reduces health risks. When animals relieve themselves anywhere they please, it is unsanitary and poses a risk to their well-being, as they can contract diseases from exposure to their own waste.
In conclusion, potty training cows is undoubtedly beneficial, although it would be a monumental task to train all cows. However, in the future, it is possible that MooLoos may be implemented on farms worldwide. Potty training cows would result in cleaner air and improved comfort for the cows. Scientists are currently focusing on developing automated, sensor-based MooLoos to eliminate the need for human operation.
Regardless of the progress made, it is safe to say that cows would greatly appreciate having access to a MooLoo, as they would receive a treat each time they visit.